Long-term results in children with omphalocele and gastroschisis--a follow-up study.

Forty-six children operated on for omphalocele or gastroschisis were followed up at an average age of 8.8 years. A questionnaire form was sent to all patients. Fourteen were called for a medical examination including x-ray and laboratory test. An increased incidence of intestinal obstruction during the first year of life was found. Seven children reported recurrent abdominal pain, but the x-ray film showed no evidence of intestinal obstruction. Some girls were for cosmetic reasons concerned over the absence of their navel or a disfiguring scar on the abdominal wall. Otherwise the children had developed normally. Length and weight were within normal limits and the children had no serious consequences of their severe congenital malformation.